It’s been called the most explosive American musical ever written, and this winter it’s coming to the Poplar Pike Playhouse. Parade recounts the true-life story of Leo Frank and his wife Lucille, whose passionate love for her husband leads her to fight for his life. This critically acclaimed musical takes the Playhouse stage February 25 and runs through March 13.

            An American classic in the spirit of West Side Story and Ragtime, Parade takes audiences on a journey 100 years back in time when Leo Frank’s trial grabbed the world’s attention. Part “whodunit”, part courtroom drama, part spectacle and part glorious musical theatre- the show vividly brings to life one of the most cataclysmic and compelling events in American history.   

            Parade won over audiences during its Broadway run, claiming two Tony Awards (Best Score, Best Book) and five Drama Desk Awards (Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Book of a Musical, Outstanding Music, Outstanding Actor in a Musical, Outstanding Orchestrations). Much of its success is due to a star-studded creative team.

Parade was penned by Tony Award-winning author Alfred Uhry, who also earned the Pulitzer Prize and an Academy Award for Driving Miss Daisy. The show was co-conceived by Hal Prince. Prince is best known for the legendary productions, Cats and Phantom of the Opera.

            Don’t miss the show USA Today called “remarkable” and “supremely powerful.” 

            Tickets are on sale now. For more information, call the Poplar Pike Playhouse Box Office at (901) 755-7775 or visit www.ppp.org. Box office hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. To keep up with the latest news, follow the Playhouse on Facebook and Twitter.
            The cast of Parade includes Justin Ayers, Andrew Baldock, Jake Barnes, Will Black, Wade Bonds, Joe Carter, Melanie Culhane, Dallen Detamore, Assiatou Diallo, Morgan Dobbins, King Dupart, Alexandria Exley, Avery Franklin, Sophia Frantz, Lucy Fulltion, Marie Gouanvic, Nigel Heard, A.J. Heinz, Nick Henry, Paul Hoover, Mandy Hrach, Justin Lambert, Meredith Lesley, Cooper McKelroy, LaKendra Merritt, Drew Murley, Myisha Niter, Court Nixon, Grace Pandola, Erica Patterson, Richard Player, Phoenix Pope, Lorilee Powell, Melissa Ruprecht, Manny Salazar, Devante Scott, Anna Sharp, Matt Sloan, Anna Smith, Jasmine Snowden, Liam Street, Remy Terle, Mary Kate Thomas, Joe Tucker, Justin Waldrip, Taylor Williams and Marinela Zubovic.

            Parade is directed by E. Frank Bluestein. Steve Danielson is musical director. Lanny Byrd is the conductor.

            The Poplar Pike Playhouse is the theatre complex located on the Germantown High School campus. The corporate sponsor for this production is Landmark Bank.